Patents by Inventor Philbrick Allen

Philbrick Allen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7630591
    Abstract: This disclosure generally pertains to a method for manufacturing a distributed optical fiber scrim comprising a functional optical fiber, the functional optical fiber scrim thus manufactured, and composites in which an optical fiber scrim is incorporated. The present disclosure describes a variety of textile scrims, particularly adhesively bonded nonwoven scrim materials, each comprising at least one optical fiber with a continuous path across at least the length or width of the fabric. Such optical fiber scrims may be useful as sensor components (for example, as a detector of breakage, strain, pressure, or torque), as illumination components (for example, in a variety of light-providing applications), or as data-distribution components, either alone or in combination with other materials, such as fabrics, films, foams, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Philbrick Allen, Randolph S. Kohlman, W. Randolph Hursey, John G. Lever
  • Publication number: 20080253712
    Abstract: This disclosure generally pertains to a method for manufacturing a distributed optical fiber scrim comprising a functional optical fiber, the functional optical fiber scrim thus manufactured, and composites in which an optical fiber scrim is incorporated. The present disclosure describes a variety of textile scrims, particularly adhesively bonded nonwoven scrim materials, each comprising at least one optical fiber with a continuous path across at least the length or width of the fabric. Such optical fiber scrims may be useful as sensor components (for example, as a detector of breakage, strain, pressure, or torque), as illumination components (for example, in a variety of light-providing applications), or as data-distribution components, either alone or in combination with other materials, such as fabrics, films, foams, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Philbrick Allen, Randolph S. Kohlman, W. Randolph Hursey, John G. Lever
  • Publication number: 20070281562
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composite useful as a building construction material, in which one or more textile scrims are attached to a nonwoven mat. In one embodiment, a high elongation scrim layer and a low elongation scrim layer are attached to a nonwoven mat to provide high impact resistance and enhanced structural support. In a second embodiment, a nonwoven mat is reinforced with a single scrim layer having both high elongation and low elongation yarns to form a composite. The scrim layers are preferably adhesively bonded laid scrims, although other scrim types or combinations thereof may also be used. Preferably, the high elongation material is made of polyester, the low elongation material is made of glass, and the nonwoven mat is made of polypropylene. The resulting functional composite may be used as a housewrap or roofing reinforcement on vertical, horizontal, or angular exterior surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Randolph S. Kohlman, W. Randolph Hursey, Philbrick Allen, Dimple P. Desai
  • Publication number: 20070037462
    Abstract: This disclosure generally pertains to a method for manufacturing a distributed optical fiber scrim comprising a functional optical fiber, the functional optical fiber scrim thus manufactured, and composites in which an optical fiber scrim is incorporated. The present disclosure describes a variety of textile scrims, particularly adhesively bonded nonwoven scrim materials, each comprising at least one optical fiber with a continuous path across at least the length or width of the fabric. Such optical fiber scrims may be useful as sensor components (for example, as a detector of breakage, strain, pressure, or torque), as illumination components (for example, in a variety of light-providing applications), or as data-distribution components, either alone or in combination with other materials, such as fabrics, films, foams, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Philbrick Allen, Randolph Kohlman, W. Hursey, John Lever
  • Publication number: 20030100233
    Abstract: Roofing membrane comprises reinforcing scrim fabric and a polymeric material, such as EPDM or TPO. The fabric is preferably a polyester tri-directional laid scrim fabric made from continuous yarns, which is held together by an adhesive, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), or any other suitable adhesive such as plastisol polyvinyl chloride. The polyester scrim fabric includes a central area and selvage areas on opposing edges thereof. The selvage areas of the fabric include more strands of yam than the central area, to provide additional strength along the sides of the fabric. Further, the continuous yarns that make up the selvage are not cut along the edges, so that the continuous yarns form loops along the edge portions of the selvage areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Roger T. Fynan, Philbrick Allen, Brian Callaway, John L. McMurray